This week we come to the end of our study of Abraham in Sunday’s Biblical Insights. This man of great faith gave us much to admire and many examples to follow both good and bad. Although Abraham was a great man, he was also human and needed God in his life to direct him in all that God wanted him to do. Abraham was chosen by God to leave his family and homeland to a land God promised to give him and his descendants. Abraham would become the father of the Jewish people. So, Abraham set out for the Promised Land with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. That, indeed, took a lot of faith.
As we noted in our study, Abraham was not only the father of Jews but is known as the father of all who believe. Abraham received the good news that salvation for all would come through him. The Lord told Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:3 nlt) Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Abraham’s seed. God’s salvation for sinners came through Abraham. The gospel of Matthew in the New Testament begins with the words, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham.” (Mt.1:1 nlt)
Last week we witnessed Abraham’s ultimate test of faith. God had told him to kill and sacrifice his son Issac on Mount Moriah. This great man of faith didn’t waver, at least not by an outward appearance that we can see, but proceeded with faith that God would raise him up from the dead or provide a substitute for his son. In this scene we discovered a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion in Issac’s willingness and the Lord supplying a substitute. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus Christ, God the Son.
Of everything we covered in our study of Abraham, this is the most important connection to your life that you can make. Abraham makes a wonderful story. It is God’s story of redeeming mankind through the seed of one man He chose to become the father of the Jewish people. From the line of King David of the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born. All you need to do is have the faith to believe it. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Eph.2:8 nlt)
‘“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” Genesis 22:8 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
We do not know how much time had lapsed from last weeks story of Abraham’s and King Abimelech’s agreement with each other. Notably it is at least a few years. Chapter 22 begins with the words, ‘Some time later.’ Abraham is well over one-hundred years old and his son Issac could now be in his late teens or early twenties. Abraham had been faithful in believing God’s promise to him concerning the Promised Land and the many descendants he will have that will begin with his son Issac. That is why the events in this chapter can only be considered as an ultimate test of faith for Abraham. Let’s begin.
“Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called. ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Here I am.’” (Gen.22:1 nlt) Here again we see Abraham’s willingness to hear and respond to whatever God asks of him. What Abraham heard was the last thing he thought he would ever hear. “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” (Gen.22:2 nlt) The Lord is testing Abraham’s love for Him over Issac. Notice the progression for effect when God says, ‘your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much.’ This is not going to be easy. A father’s love for his son is emphasized as is only natural. This is also the first time the word ‘love’ is used in Scripture and it is used here in this text. This portion of Scripture is a foreshadowing in several ways of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross at Calvary. First we note God’s love for His Son as noted at Jesus’ transfiguration, “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’” (Mt.17:5) God the Father loved Jesus as much as Abraham loved Issac.
Abraham wasn’t hesitant, as was his mode of operation, but prepared to set out the next day. He chopped the wood and saddled his horse which he could have had his servants do, but Abraham chose to do it himself. Abraham took two of his servants with him on this three-day journey to Moriah. The land of Moriah is the Jerusalem area. Mount Moriah is where Solomon’s Temple was built and the present-day Temple Mount is occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock. Abraham had plenty of time to digest and reflect on God’s instructions for him. I am sure he did not understand it but he knew God was faithful and always kept His promises. The Lord often tests us through adversity and hardships, although not in the same sense as Abraham, but He knows what is best and is looking for us to trust Him when those days come upon us.
As they arrived near the place Abraham said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey…..The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Gen.22:5 nlt) Abraham did not know what was ahead of him, but what he did know was that both he and Issac would be coming back after worshiping the Lord. Another first is found here as it is the first mention of the word worship in the Bible. Abraham must have had it in his mind and had the faith that God was able to raise Issac from the dead or that God would provide a substitute for Issac. With that, Abraham placed the wood on Issac’s shoulders, he took the fire and knife and the two walked together the rest of the way.
Along the walk as they came closer to the site something occurred to Issac. “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?’” (Gen.22:7 nlt) Again, Abraham does not hesitant even though he is not sure how God will act says, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” (Gen.22:8 nlt) Upon arrival the Bible says Abraham built an altar, he arranged the wood, tied his son and laid him on top of the wood.
FreeBibleimages.org
Abraham’s faith is on full display but let us not overlook Issac’s faith. Seeing Abraham’s faith led Issac to have great faith in his father and in the Lord God. Issac did not seemed to resist. He certainly could have overpowered the aging Abraham. But he did not, and willing submitted to his father Abraham. Here is another foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice in this passage. Jesus willing laid down His life for us. Issac is seen as a prefiguration of Christ. “And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Yes,’ Abraham replied. ‘Here I am!’ (Gen.22:10-11 nlt) The Lord was about to provide a substitute.
Abraham passed the test. He proved his faith through obedience and trusting in God to keep His promises. “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” (Gen.22:13 nlt) Another first here is the first mention of a sacrifice substitution of one life for another. God still required the sacrifice, but a substitute was needed. He supplied a ram for Issac. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus, God the Son. Abraham then called the place ‘Yahweh-Yireh’ (which means “the LORD will provide”) Yes, the Lord will provide.
tim ildsmith on unsplash
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)
“Abraham replied, ‘Yes, I swear to it!’……Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the LORD, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:24, 33 NLT
Last week in our Biblical Insights Abraham was blessed by God as the Lord promised that Ishmael will be blessed by being the father of many nations and Issac would be the promised son of the covenant. The Lord has continually blessed Abraham even through his times of failure. Abraham is very wealthy and now has become a formidable and respected sojourner in the land. This is where our story of Abraham picks up this week.
“About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. ‘God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,’” (Gen.21:22 nlt) King Abimelech is well aware of Abraham’s wealth and status. He has come to realize it is the God of heaven who is blessing and protecting Abraham. Abimelech pays a visit to Abraham with his military commander, Phicol. Although the king is more powerful, he is looking to secure a permanent agreement with Abraham lasting for generations. “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants.” (Gen.21:23 nlt) Abimelech points to his loyalty towards Abraham and asks for his loyalty in return. Abraham agrees and swears to it.
Abraham takes the opportunity of Abimelech’s kindness to him to mention the issue of a seized well owned by Abraham. “Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.” (Gen.21:25 nlt) The king said he was not aware of the incident or who was responsible for it. Abraham wanted his own treaty now stating the well was his by right. Abraham gave sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech as was used in treaty ceremonies. He then gave an additional seven ewe lambs as a special gift. Acceptance of the gift recognized Abrahma’s right to the well. “Abraham replied, ‘Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.’” (Gen.21:30 nlt) Abraham then named the place Beersheba meaning ‘well of the oath.’
Abimelech left to return home, and Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba. The tamarisk tree represented several things. The tree served as a reminder of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham. It was a tree that took years to grow. Abraham will be in the land a long time and the Lord did promise it to his descendants. Abraham was looking forward to the future generations. The tree also marked God’s grace upon Abraham and God’s chosen people and His ever presence over the land. And it became a worship site for Abraham as he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God. Indeed, Abraham is blessed by God.
“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” Genesis 21:14 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
We all had problematic decisions to make in our lives. They are a lot easier to make when we know it is the right thing to do and the Lord is leading us in that direction. Abraham has a decision to make this week in our study of Biblical Insights but not as hard as another decision he will face in the future. Last week in our story of Abraham, the promised son Issac, was born to a man one hundred years old and his wife of ninety. That doesn’t happen in our day and age and didn’t happen during Abraham and Sarah’s day that we know of. It was an immense joy for both of them after waiting twenty-five years from the time God promised it would happen. Even at that time it seemed impossible for both of them. Waiting impatiently for what they perceived as running out of time they took matters into their own hands and had a child through Sarah’s servant Hagar. It was inevitable problems would arise. They did. But God is faithful and still blesses in spite of our foolishness as we will see.
“When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion.” (Gen.21:8 nlt) Issac is three years old, the customary age for weaning in the ancient Near East. Another custom were the huge celebrations that families would have to mark the occasion. On this day in Abraham’s family all were having fun and enjoying themselves at the feast with two of them having too much fun. Abraham’s son by Hagar, Ishmael, was mocking young Issac. His mother, Hagar, joined in the ridicule. Ishmael, now about seventeen years old may have seen his inheritance slipping away. Hagar may have felt the same way, and Sarah feared trouble for her son Issac. Sarah didn’t stall but immediately went to her husband and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” (Gen.21:10 nlt) The tone of Sarah’s voice and the use of the term ‘that slave woman’ rather than ‘maid and servant’ revealed she was serious. She wanted Hagar gone and her son gone. In that culture to drive out a son from a servant woman was to disinherit them and it was prohibited to arbitrarily expel a servant woman’s son. This caused Abraham much distress for the decision he was to make. He loved Ishmael for he was his son, and he would be violating the customary laws.
But God came to Abraham and told him not to worry and to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. God said Issac would indeed be the child of the covenant and then said to Abraham, “I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” (Gen.21:13 nlt) God is a merciful and gracious God. He will bless Ishmael as well. He will become a father of nations.
“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Gen.21:14 nlt) As hard as it was for Abraham to send his son away, he had faith in God that He will do what He promised for Ishmael. We may wonder why Abraham only gave Hagar limited supplies with all the riches he had. One reason may be Abraham trusted God and knew the only way Hagar and Ishmael would make it was by the hand of God.
The food and water was soon gone as they traveled through the hot, rough, and rugged wilderness of Beersheba. Certain of death, Hagar put her son under a shady tree and herself one hundred yards away. She could not bear to watch her son die. But God heard Ishmael’s cry just as He heard Hagar’s cry eighteen years ago when she ran away from Sarah. Ishmael’s name means ‘God hears.’ He heard Ishmael’s cry also this day. Just then the angel of the Lord called out to Hagar, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” (Gen.21:18 nlt) The Lord gives Hagar the same promise He gave to Abraham. Ishmael will be a father of nations that has carried through to this day.
God then filled their immediate need, water! Hagar looked a saw a well full of water in front of her. Did she miss seeing the well in her physical and mental state earlier or did the well appear by divine intervention? Either way, it doesn’t matter. God’s hand was in it. He is the same God who has his hand in our business when unexplainable good things happen to us. Hagar quickly filled her container and gave her son a drink. God always fulfills His promises.
Scripture fast forwards to note Ishmael grew up in the wilderness and became a skillful archer. He settled in Paran which is in north central Sinai. Hagar arranged marriage for him with a woman from Egypt which was customary in those days. God shown favor and kindness to Hagar and Ishmael in the necessary action that needed to be taken. One Bible commentator noted ‘that God was not against Ishmael and his descendants.’ God was with Ishmael and had a promise for his future. Ishmael’s descendants are the many nations of the Arabic people.
“Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.” Genesis 20:2 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Abraham, the man of faith, the one known as a friend of God, becomes Abraham a deceiver once again. The story of Abraham should bring us all comfort to see one of the great icons of faith in the Bible had their failures too. Abraham was human and being human had a sin nature and having a sin nature would fall into sin on occasion. Today’s story is such an occasion.
After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham knew his nephew Lot was spared and he decided to move towards the south and dwell between Gaza and the Mediterranean coast settling in the town of Gerar. Abraham did not learn his lesson from twenty-five years earlier repeating his same sin of deception. “While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace (Gen.20:1-2 nlt) We sometimes today find ourselves as time passes either forgetting or disregarding our past sins that got us into trouble. Abraham’s in good company, but of course it doesn’t excuse it.
Abraham’s main problem was his moment of faithlessness in God’s protection. He had just witnessed God answering his prayer in saving Lot but failed to recognize He could do the same for him. He was afraid as he was in Egypt that he would be killed for his wife. What Abraham told King Abimelech was partly true meaning it was also partly false. As in Genesis 12 Abraham told Pharoah the same half-truth. Abraham and Sarah were siblings who had the same father, but different mothers.
The expected did happen. Abraham did not die and Sarah was taken. But God intervened and came to King Abimelech in a dream telling him that Sarah is a married woman. God said that he would die along with all his people if Sarah was not return to her husband. Abimelech earnestly pleaded his innocence which the Lord was already aware of and He said, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.” (Gen.20:6 nlt) God was the one who kept Sarah pure by His hand of grace keeping the king at bay. The promised child of the covenant that was to come through Abraham could have been compromised, a thought that should have come to Abraham’s mind when Abimelech took her.
Abimelech didn’t waste any time. “Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.” (Gen.20:8 nlt) The people of the Near East, although heathen, considered adultery a great sin. They wanted this problem rectified as soon as possible. King Abimelech acted with integrity, more so than Abraham, in this matter. He moved quickly and called for Abraham. ‘“What have you done to us?’ he demanded. ‘What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?’” (Gen.12:9-10 nlt) It is an embarrassing situation when a heathen king rebukes a prophet of God. Equally embarrassing are the rebukes we Christians get today from our friends and family when we are on the wrong side of honesty.
Abraham offered his three flimsy excuses; the people of Gerar did not fear God, they would kill him for his wife, and Sarah was actually his half-sister. The Bible doesn’t record a spoken response from the king, but records Abimelech’s action to make things right. “Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. Then Abimelech said, ‘Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.’” (Gen.20:14-15 nlt) It seems strange that despite Abraham’s sin of deception he is lavishly given gifts. Of course this is not a license to sin, but an example of the enormous riches and blessings God bestows on His children in spite of their sin. It seems that King Abimelech gave these gifts in a way to honor God.
Abimelech topped it off by giving Abraham 1,000 pieces of silver, the price of a slave in those days, to restore any honor Sarah may have lost before others. “This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” (Gen.20:16 nlt) Abraham, the prophet, then prayed for Abimelech and the people for their afflictions to be gone, because God had prevented the women from becoming pregnant because of Sarah.
FreeBibleimages.org
Abraham repeated his sin of twenty-five years earlier in Egypt and the Lord delivered on His promise He made to Abraham twenty-five years earlier. “The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” (Gen.21:1-2 nlt) The wait was over. God’s promised was fulfilled. Abraham named him Issac, meaning ‘laughter’ and circumcised him on the eighth day, according to the covenant.
God’s promised blessings continue throughout our lives. They will always be there in His timing despite our failures. Praise God for that!
“And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the LORD has heard your cry of distress.” Genesis 16:11 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Plans made outside the will of God never work out. In fact most of the time they turn into a disaster. Abram and Sarai found this out the hard way when they planned Abram’s heir would come from a union between Sarai’s servant and Abram. Early evidence of the disaster to come was Hagar’s contempt for her mistress Sarai after she knew she had become pregnant. Their relationship was broken, not to mention the relationship between Sarai and her husband will be forever strained. Sarai blames Abram and Abram tells Sarai to work it out for herself. “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” (Gen.16:6 nlt) Not exactly how a husband and wife should work out their problems, but Sarai did handle it her way. “Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.” (Gen.16:6 nlt)
You may have heard the saying, ‘no one sins alone’ meaning the results of one’s sins affects others as much as the sinner. Innocent people often get hurt, and in this case Hagar was the innocent party. Yes, Hagar did flaunt the fact that she was carrying Abram’s child causing ill feelings for Sarai. Yet the situation she was in was not of her devise. Sin always has unforeseen consequences which surface after the deed is done. Abram and Sarai found this out.
Hagar was running away not knowing where she is going. Her direction indicates she was heading to her home country of Egypt but we cannot be sure. What we do know is that “The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur.” (Gen.16:7 nlt) Shur was south of Palestine and east of Egypt where the angel met her. This is the first time ‘the angel of the LORD’ appears in Scripture and most scholars interpret this as the preincarnate manifestation of Christ. The angel of the LORD has a question and a message for Hagar. ‘“…..where have you come from, and where are you going?’ ‘I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,’ she replied. The angel of the LORD said to her, ‘Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.’” (Gen.16:8-9 nlt) Hagar confirmed she was only running away from Sarai with no pre-determined plan in mind. We may question why the Lord would instruct her to go back into an abusive relationship, but it is not as it looks. These instructions come with a promise.
FreeBibleimages.org
The Lord then said to Hagar, “I will give you more descendants than you can count. You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the LORD has heard your cry of distress.” (Gen.16:10-11 nlt) Hagar is promised she will become the mother of many, even more descendants than she can count. Her son Ishmael would become the head of an important tribe. Ishmael became the father of the Arab people. The Lord gave Hagar a promise of protection when she returned to Sarai and a promise of great blessing in the multiple descendants that would come through Ishmael, for God hears.
The Angel of the LORD describes the character of Ishmael and the life he would live. Evidently God had a plan for Ishmael even though it wasn’t Abram’s or Sarai’s plan. Ishmael is the first person in the Bible to be given a name before he was born. His name means ‘God hears.’ The Lord God heard Hagar’s cry when she was on the run from her mistress. The Lord tells Hagar what the future holds for her son, “This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” (Gen.16:12 nlt) An untamable wild donkey in those days was considered a valuable animal. Ishmael’s descendants, the Ishmaelites were fierce and combative.
Hagar realized the angel of the LORD who spoke to her was God. She called Him ‘You are the God who sees me.’ She had confidence in His protection as she went back to Sarai and had faith in His promise for Ishmael and his descendants. She returned to Abram and Sarai. Hagar gave birth to a baby boy giving Abram a son. Abram named him Ishmael as the Angel of the LORD told Hagar. Abram would now become the father of two groups of people, Ishmaels descendants, the Arabs, and Issac’s descendants, the Jews. The hostility that started between Sarai and Hagar has lasted until our current day. The impatience of Abram and Sarai has bred trouble for thousands of years. No one sins alone, but may we thank the Lord that He still hears.
“So Sarai said to Abram, “The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife.” Genesis 16:2-3 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Abram had received a promise from God sealed with a covenant that his descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky. The Lord said a son would be born to him and his wife Sarai in their old age. God also promised Abram that the land where he stood would be his descendants possession. Abram was called to leave his home country for this purpose. The Lord had watch over, protected and led Abram and Sarai since they first journeyed out from Ur and He was not about to leave them on their own now. Abram’s and Sarai’s timetable was causing them to become impatient, but God works on His schedule. Running ahead of God and taking matters into our own hands is never a good idea and Abram and Sarai will soon find that out.
Ten years after God’s call to Abram, Sarai still had not borne a child. We are not sure who was more impatient, Abram or Saria, but perhaps it was Sarai. The Bible says Sarai suggested to her husband to take her servant, Hagar, as a wife or concubine and she could have a child through her. Hagar, an Egyptian, was one of the servants Pharoah gave to Abram when he was told to leave Egypt. Hagar had become Sarai’s personal servant. Another custom in those ancient days, as we saw last week where Abram asked God if his servant Eliezer could be his heir, was a custom that a female servant in the home could a bear child for a couple. Even though this was the custom of the day, it was not God’s design and certainly not for Abram and Sarai.
Abram should have recalled that God said no to his request for his servant to be his heir. There was nothing wrong with Abram asking about Eliezer, but this action he was about to take with Sarai’s servant was definitely wrong. We do not read where Abram and Sarai asked God about this. The Lord would have said no to this request as well. Sometimes in our own lives we do not ask God because we know the answer is no. So, we just move ahead and Abram did just that. Scripture says, “So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.” (Gen.16:3-4 nlt)
FreeBibleimages.org
Immediately after Hagar became pregnant things started to fall apart. No doubt Abram sinned by taking Hagar as a wife and having relations with her. He also sinned by running ahead of God and not having faith in the covenant promise God gave him. This great man of faith had failed, and it will now have mass consequences for thousands of years. The first harsh reality was the broken relationship between Sarai and Hagar. Hagar began to despise her mistress. Sentiments of contempt by looking down on Sarai for not being able to become pregnant had become visible, causing problems in the home. Sarai turns to Abram and blames him for the crisis. “Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she is pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who’s wrong—you or me!’” (Gen.16:5 nlt)
Although Sarai is not innocent in all this, she does have a point. Abram being the spiritual head of the family and God’s servant should have refused his wife’s solution to her barrenness. Abram knew of God’s faithfulness and His ability to do what He had promised but gave into his wife’s wishes from his own impatience. Sarai wanted her husband to fix the problem. But Abram added to the problem by granting Sarai the freedom to oversee it herself by saying, ‘“Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.’ Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.” (Gen.16:6 nlt)
It is thought that Hagar was reduced back to her servant status or lower. Her harsh treatment she received could have been extremely hard, heavy burdened continual tasks. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “Passionate jealousy and bitterness set the two women against each other. And Abram was not much help to either of them. Conditions grew worse by the moment.” We will see how worse they get when we continue next week…….
“Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” Genesis 14:19-20 NLT
Abram had won a battle over the four kings from the north who had taken his nephew Lot and his family captive and stolen all his belongings. Lot, as we reviewed last week, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. His desire to live the good life caused him to compromise his values and eventually settled for life in the sin-city of Sodom. The king of Sodom along with the kings of Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar, were about to be attacked by the kings of the north, and Lot was a sitting duck. Abram stepped in with his trained men and rescued Lot and the city of Sodom. Afterward, the king of Sodom set out to meet Abram to show him his appreciation.
The liberated “king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).” (Gen.14:17 nlt) This valley was one of the several valleys near Jerusalem, named Salem in ancient times. Possibly this could have been the ‘Kidron Valley.’ Abram and the king of Sodom are met by a historical figure, Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem. “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.” (Gen.14:18 nlt) Melchizedek’s name means ‘king of righteousness’ or ‘righteous king.’ Being a priest and a king, many biblical scholars identify him as a ‘type of Christ’ figure. David writes in the book of Psalms concerning the coming Messiah, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Ps.110:1, 4 nlt)
This priest and king, Melchizedek, brought food for Abram and his men. This was more than bread and wine but signifies a large meal or a banquet in recognition of their victory over their enemies. It was also a symbol of friendship and hospitality. Scripture doesn’t provide us much background about Melchizedek other than he was a worshiper of the true God. His references to God as ‘God most high’ and ‘creator of heaven and earth’ points us in that direction of Melchizedek’s faith and knowledge of the Lord God. This kingly priest did two things, he blessed Abram and he blessed God. “Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’” (Gen.14:19-20 nlt) Melchizedek gives all the credit for Abram’s victory to God. Abram also is aware the victory came from the Lord God. Abram gave a tenth of the spoils to the Lord and his servant Melchizedek in gratitude for Lord’s victory.
The king of Sodom now makes an offer to Abram for his returning the people and goods of his city, Sodom. The king only wants his people back and Abram can keep all the goods. “Abram replied to the king of Sodom, ‘I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, I am the one who made Abram rich.’” (Gen.14:22-23 nlt) Abram was careful not to allow himself to be obligated to anyone but the Lord. How tempting that must have been to not take advantage of what some might say was certainly deserved. Abram made it an oath not to accept anything. Accepting this offer would have negative results for Abram. People would be able to say that part of Abram’s wealth came from the king of Sodom. The king of Sodom may see it as an opportunity to lord himself over Abram. Abram did not go into this battle for personal gain, but to rescue his family. Accepting the offer would also show a lack of trust in God to supply his needs and finally Abram wanted no part of the king of Sodom and his wicked city.
tim-wildsmith-telGnqCOCnc-unsplash
Abram’s faith in God and his godly character is shown at the end of chapter 14 as he requests to receive only what his men had already eaten and for his allies to share the spoils among themselves. Abram looked out for the men who serve him and for those who aligned with him in this battle. This man of faith was also a man of fairness and generosity.
Next week, the Lord’s covenant promise to Abram…………
“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” Genesis 13:10 NLT
This week in Biblical Insights Abram is leaving Egypt with his tail between his legs after being called out by Pharoah for his deception. It was a mistake going down to Egypt in the first place failing to trust God in caring for them during the famine. But he is on his way now traveling north into the Negev on their way to the region of Bethel and Ai. Abram left Egypt a lot more prosperous than when he entered. The Lord had blessed Abram in spite of his sin. Pharoah gave Abram much livestock and servants in addition to what he already had. “So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.)” (Gen.13:1-2 nlt)
Abram went back to Bethel and worshiped the Lord at the altar he made at his first visit when entering Canaan. Abram got back to business with God. Realizing God’s mercy and blessings towards him when he failed the Lord, Abram went to the nearest place he had set up an altar and worshiped God.
Lot, Abram’s nephew, was traveling with him. Lot had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many servants. Wealth in ancient Palestine was measured in the number of livestock, servants and jewels one possessed. Both Abram and Lot had plenty. This created a problem for the both of them. It’s hard to comprehend how blessings from God could be the cause of a problem. We accept these problems noting it is a good problem to have. A young family have God’s blessings of more children and soon find themselves needing to move into a bigger place. A good problem to have.
Abram and Lot found themselves having ‘a good problem to have.’ The region could not supply the sufficient needs for all of the livestock of both Abram and Lot. The land did not have enough water or pastured land. “So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.)” (Gen.13:7 nlt) It is also noted that rural dwellers were living there as well. On a side note, it should be mentioned besides this problem being caused by God’s blessing both of them, it should be noted that Abram was instructed to leave his family in Ur and go to the place where God would lead him. If Lot was not with him, there would be no problem. Sometimes the smallest miscue in obeying God even with the best of intentions surface later in ways we never thought of. It’s always better to obey God completely, 100%.
Abram knew this issue needed to be resolved. “Finally Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!’” (Gen.13:8 nlt) It wasn’t good for families to be fighting with each other and not a good look for those who were representing the Holy God the creator of all things.
It seems the decision to separate is a wise one and there is no dispute. The decision as to who goes in what direction is now to be decided. Abram, although the elder, shows kindness to Lot in letting him choose first. Whichever direction Lot chooses Abram will go in the opposite direction. Abram was growing in faith and relying on God and not his own decisions. His experience in Egypt had an effect on him. Abram is finding faith in God’s sovereignty and trusting Him. He knows in whatever direction he goes the Lord will be with him and bless him. Not so with Lot. Abram took off his self-centeredness and Lot put his on.
“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” (Gen.13:10 nlt) Lot took a long look. There is always danger in taking a long look. Some will disagree saying you need to be careful and sure to make a wise decision and that is true. But what captivates you in that first look? Do you ever get past the surface and consider what is underneath? Lot based his decision on what his eyes told him. He saw the green lush vegetation of the fertile fields in the Jordan Valley. There was an irrigation system in place, even in that day, from the Jordan river. Lot knew this was a prize pic. He chose the land towards the east in the Jordan Valley at the edge of the Promised Land. His decision was a wise one in business terms and in a worldly point of view. Lot was more than content with his newfound territory and moved on away from Abram with his possessions, but it would turn out to be a disastrous decision.
Abram settled to the west in the land Canaan and Lot settled around the city of Sodom. Abram walked by faith; Lot walked only by sight. Lot allowed his long look to dictate his future. Abram let his growing faith in God decide his future. Sodom was an evil and sinful city. Lot was putting himself and his family in harm’s way to satisfy his selfish desires. When our selfish desires put us in a bad spot it will have the same effect on those closest to us and not only ourselves. Having Abram’s growing faith will have the opposite effect on each of us. Shortening that long look and putting our faith in God will help us to make the right decisions.
Next week we’ll begin to see some of Lot’s troubles as a result of his long look……
“But the LORD sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. So Pharaoh summoned Abram and accused him sharply. ‘What have you done to me?’ he demanded. ‘Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?’” Genesis 12:17-18 NLT
The first two weeks in our story of Abraham we saw Abram, who later became Abraham, as a man of great faith and the father of all who believe. He left all that was familiar to him, his home, friends, and family to go where God called him. This took great faith as we learned last week. Unfortunately Abram paused his journey along the way and settled in Haran for a period of time. Although Abram was called of God, he was not perfect and wasn’t chosen because he was perfect. He eventually moved on after God’s repeated the call to him. Abram made it to the Promised Land and built an altar to the Lord when arriving in Shechem. This week Abram’s frailty leads him through a detour into Egypt.
The land of Canaan was suffering from severe famine. The Palestine region in ancient times often experienced famines. Abram decided to journey down to Egypt on his own under no divine guidance from God. Egypt fared well during periods of famine. It had an abundant supply of food available from the water source of the Nile River. Abram took his wife Sarai and all who were with him down into Egypt. He may not have planned to stay long, but it turned out to be long enough to bring shame on God’s chosen vessel.
As Abram nears Egypt he says to Sarai his wife, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’” (Gen.12:11-12 nlt) Abram was right in his assessment that Pharaoh would take beautiful women to be part of his Harem. He was also right in that they would kill him to take his wife. The Egyptians respected marriage but had an unusual way to show it, especially the Pharaohs. Pharaoh would have the wife of the husband killed first before he took her for his Harem. Abram, of course, didn’t want this to happen so he devised a plan, again not under God’s guidance. Abram said to Sarai, “ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” (Gen.12:13 nlt) Abram’s fear, and really his lack of faith at this point, caused him to deceive the Egyptians into thinking Saria was his sister. It worked, and they took her.
Abram’s scheme was a half-truth, or we could call it a half-lie, and a half-lie is really a lie. Abram’s reasoning was to deceive and that is what he did. He failed to trust in the Lord who was leading him and would protect him. He was thinking more of himself than any thought he had for his wife. But despite Abram’s failure here, the Lord is going to watch out for Sarai and protect her. “And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt, everyone noticed Sarai’s beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace.” (Gen.12:14-15 nlt)
The irony of this story is that Abram is rewarded by Pharoah for taking his sister. “Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.” (Gen.12:16 nlt) Abram was right, Pharaoh did treat him well. Having livestock and servants were a indication of wealth in those days, and Abram was paid handsomely.
But as we noted, the Lord protected Sarai. He sent plagues upon Pharoah and his household. Scripture does not tell us the nature of these plagues, but they were severe enough for Pharoah to summon Abram. Some commentators speculate that Pharoah’s illness kept him from defiling Sarai. We do know from Scripture that no mention is given of Sarai being intimate with Pharaoh. We also know from history that a four-month purification process was in place for new brides before they were received into Pharoah’s Harem. God’s hand was at work in protecting Sarai.
Pharoah sharply accused Abram of deception. He came to know Sarai was his wife and these plagues were the proof of it. Pharoah ordered Abram to get out of Egypt and even had his men escort him out to make sure he left. Abram was exposed as a liar. The Egyptians with their many faults were still a society that valued truthfulness. This wasn’t a good look for Abram who was called by God. Abram was kicked out of Egypt in humiliation before the Egyptians and those traveling with him who knew of his call from the Lord. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “Abram’s behavior was not worthy of the majestic soul of Jehovah’s special ambassador to the nations. He would need to grow; he would need to go back to Bethel.”
Abram will grow and God will still use him. God knew of Abram’s failures before He call him out of Ur and into the Promised Land. God knows of our failures even before we do and yet He calls us just the same. The Lord will never give up on us despite our failures. We may have a rough go of it when we decide to go our own way, but the Lord will put us back on track as we trust Him and allow Him to lead us in every situation.
Next week Abram and his nephew Lot have a decision to make. Until next week trust the Lord completely even in a famine.
Word for the Soul 